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RHASS and Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral come together to celebrate in a Harvest Thanksgiving service

Picutred: Neil Thompson, RHASS Director and Rev Dr Scott Rennie





RHASS and Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral come together to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Scotland’s farmers in a Harvest Thanksgiving service

A John Deere tractor and a seed drill took centre stage outside of Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral yesterday (5th October) as the exceptional efforts and hard work of Scotland’s farming community were recognised in a Harvest Thanksgiving service in partnership with RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland).

Conducted by Rev Dr Scott Rennie, the service celebrated the tireless efforts of Scotland’s farming community, while acknowledging the ever-changing weather conditions farmers across the country have faced ahead of this year’s harvest.

Displays of seasonal vegetables, including broccoli, pumpkins, potatoes, parsnips and carrots were donated by RHASS Directors for the service from farms across the country to shine a light on the array of local produce grown in Scotland.

RHET (the Royal Highland Education Trust) also supported the Harvest Thanksgiving celebrations by creating a display inside the cathedral.

Their exhibit drew on educational resources used in schools to highlight what’s in season, Scottish crops, images of harvesting through the ages, examples of school growing projects, and a seasonal calendar.

This provided visitors with a chance to reflect on Scotland’s food harvest and the work of farmers, while showcasing RHET’s role in connecting young people with food and farming.

The produce on display during the service has since been donated to Edinburgh charities, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, the Grassmarket Community Project and the Salvation Army Hostel, to be made into meals for those in the city who are in need.



RHASS Chairman, James Logan, said: “At RHASS, we’re proud to stand side by side Scotland’s rural community all year round and the harvest season provides us with an opportunity to take stock and show our incredible gratitude towards those farmers working day and night to help feed our nation.

“This year has brought more unpredictable weather and following a dry spring harvest experiences can vary widely for each farmer. Everyone involved in farming and rural life plays a vital role in producing our food, and they all deserve recognition and thanks. Sunday’s service provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these efforts, and we are grateful to all who joined us and shared produce in support of local causes.”

Speaking on the Harvest Thanksgiving service, Katrina Barclay, Executive Officer at RHET, commented: “As an education charity, it’s an honour for RHET to be asked by the team at St Giles to be part of this celebration of harvest and to share some of the learning information we create for teachers all about food and farming in Scotland.”

Catherine Jones, Social Enterprise Director, said: “We are truly thankful for this incredible donation of fresh vegetables again this year.

“Every week, we support more than 230 vulnerable adults who often struggle to access healthy and nutritious meals. Food poverty continues to be a serious issue across our communities, and contributions like this make a real difference to those most affected.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to St Giles’ Cathedral for their ongoing support, and to RHASS and the dedicated farmers whose hard work has made this gift possible.”

Rev Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “In this time when we are more than ever aware of our need of local food production and the vital role that Scottish farmers in bringing the food we need to our tables, we are delighted to partner with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

“There is a particular poignancy to celebrating the Harvest in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, a city filled with tables set for visitors and residents alike.  We are reminded of where our food comes from, and the labour in its production.  For all this, and more, we give thanks to God.

“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of all of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food.”

For further information about the work of RHASS, visit: rhass.org.uk

25 Years of Impact: Salvesen Mindroom Centre transforms 30,000+ Lives

Demand for Neurodiversity Support Continues to Rise

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Salvesen Mindroom Centre, a charity that has transformed the lives of more than 30,000 neurodivergent children, young people, and their families since its founding in 2000. 

The milestone comes as the charity’s latest impact report reveals a 294% increase in demand for its services over the past five years, highlighting a critical and growing need for accessible support.

Co-founded by Robin and Sophie Dow and inspired by their daughter Annie, who lives with a rare chromosome deletion, Salvesen Mindroom Centre was built on a foundation of lived experience. 

For a quarter of a century, the charity has delivered vital programs, advocacy, and support — from aiding families in crisis to training leaders to build more inclusive workplaces.

“Mindroom was founded on lived experience, and 25 years later, its mission is more urgent than ever,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Salvesen Mindroom Centre. “Neurodivergent children are today’s young people and tomorrow’s workforce.

“The work we do is all about shaping a fairer, more inclusive future.”

The charity’s 2024 impact report, available for download on their website, also reveals the growing pressures on families and the support system:

  • Families face waiting lists of up to 24 months for assessments.
  • The number of families seeking mental health support grew by 62% from 2023 to 2024.
  • Neurodivergent young people are more likely to experience bullying, anxiety, and exclusion than their peers.

“Behind every statistic is a real person and a system under pressure,” Alan Thornburrow added.

“Since I joined in 2022, we’ve worked to scale our impact and think of our mission as a revolution. We want to continue transforming lives for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Beyond its direct services, the charity has also trained more than 7,500 leaders in business, education, and public services, and has played a significant role in advancing neurodiversity as a national priority in Scotland and beyond.

As Mindroom marks 25 years of impact, the message is clear: the need has never been greater, nor has the opportunity. Every child supported, every family empowered, and every leader trained moves us closer to a society where neurodivergent people can thrive.

Lasting change is only possible when we stand together.

To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report

SCVO: Value of charity donations down by 30% in five years

SCVO analysis shows individual giving fell in real-terms by more than £240 million in 2023  

The value of charity donations is down by almost a third in the past five years, new research from SCVO finds.  

The voluntary sector body’s new report, Individual Giving in Scotland: donations, legacies and fundraising, shows income from individual giving made up 15% of the Scottish charity sector’s income in 2023, down from around 20% in 2018 and previous years. 

Individual giving from the general public was worth an estimated £1.2bn to Scottish charities in 2023. 

But the value of donations has fallen by 30% in real terms since 2018, while fewer individuals are donating to charity – although many who do donate are giving larger amounts. 

Most income streams from the general public were hit hard by Covid, and while many of these income streams have now bounced back, they have generally not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. 

Data from the Spring 2025 Scottish Third Sector Tracker suggests that a rising number of voluntary organisations saw positive growth in both donations and fundraising income, suggesting some reasons for cautious optimism despite the challenging financial environment. 

The voluntary sector body said the falling value of donations underlines the importance of the Scottish Government’s move towards Fair Funding.  

SCVO head of policy, Kirsten Hogg, said: “Individual giving is an important part of the complex patchwork of funding sources that Scotland’s voluntary organisations rely on, and these findings are really concerning – especially when combined with what we know about cuts in public sector funding and the increasing costs and demands that voluntary organisations are facing. 

“The cost of living crisis has hit individual giving hard, impacting on people’s ability to put their hands in their pockets – including for legacies, donations, fundraising and trading.  Over the same period, we saw a reduction in the number of people volunteering their time, and together these paint a worrying picture about the extent to which people are able to support charities and community groups.  

“While we remain hopeful that we may see a slight upturn in both donations and volunteering numbers, the resource difficulties that voluntary organisations are facing mean that many will continue to encounter challenges on a scale we’ve not seen before. 

“Scotland’s voluntary sector is a fundamental part of Scottish society, and demand for support is rising. Vital support continues to be delivered to every community in Scotland, and we must do everything we can to protect organisations from the pressures they are facing.” 

Claire Stanley, director of policy and communications at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, said: “Charities across Scotland are working harder than ever to support the communities and individuals who need them.

“SCVO’s research highlights the difficult reality facing the sector right now, and we are hearing from our members that demand for services is increasing yearly – yet they are working with fewer resources while trying to deliver more. 

“And while it is encouraging to see many supporters giving generously, we know the cost-of-living crisis has hit people hard in recent years, and the overall drop in donations presents a significant challenge. That is why fair and reliable funding for charities is so important, to ensure that communities across Scotland can continue to count on the support they need, now and in the future.” 

Campaign shows Cerebral Palsy is not for the weak 

WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY – MONDAY 6th OCTOBER 2025

Launching for World Cerebral Palsy Day, ‘More Than Palsy’ – created by DUDE Milan in collaboration with award-winning Scottish poet Jack Hunter – highlights the fighting spirit of people living with cerebral palsy.

It is thought that between 17-50 million people globally live with cerebral palsy, and it remains an underrepresented and neglected disability. 1 in 400 births in Scotland result in a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. To raise global awareness of the condition and drive donations, Italian charity Fight the Stroke, in partnership with Cerebral Palsy Scotland, has launched the campaign More Than Palsy. 

Launched in advance of World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6 October, More Than Palsy was created by DUDE Milan in collaboration with Scottish actor, playwright and cerebral palsy advocate Jack Hunter, who is living with cerebral palsy himself.

Inspired by Hunter’s slam poem –“You’ve Got to be Ballsy to have Cerebral Palsy” – the campaign paints an authentic picture of the challenges faced by the cerebral palsy community through their own stories: a stark reminder that life with cerebral palsy is not for the weak – it takes strength to be a disabled person in a non-disabled world.  

Watch the 30s clip here: More Than Palsy – SHORT ENG no sub

Watch the full film here: More Than Palsy – LONG SUB ENG

At the heart of the campaign is a two-minute documentary-style film which powerfully conveys the small yet incessant challenges that make up the daily life of a person with cerebral palsy – from the physical frustration at tying one’s shoelaces or trying to use a tampon, to the mental hardship of being bullied.

Raw, powerful and bold, the film aims to both inspire people who have been living with cerebral palsy for years, as well inform future new parents about the existence of this condition and the support that cerebral palsy organisations can offer.

Cerebral Palsy Scotland are the only dedicated cerebral palsy charity in Scotland. Their specialist physiotherapy, speech and language, and psychological therapy services make an incredible difference to the lives of the people they work with.

Attack on Heaton Hebrew Congregation: A Statement

Attack on Heaton Hebrew Congregation: Statement from Timothy Lovat, Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland, Henry Lovat, President, Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and Matthew Shaps, Chair, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation (written 2nd October 2025, following the conclusion of Yom Kippur):

“We are devastated by the terrorist attack that took place this morning at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, on Yom Kippur.

The victims, their families, and the entire Manchester Jewish community are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound grief and fear.

This awful attack is a tragic reminder of the manner in which hatred and intolerance towards Jewish people – whether put explicitly as such or directed (nominally) at “Zionists” or other euphemisms – can translate into deadly acts of violence aimed at our community.

Sentiments of concern and condolence from those whose words and conduct have previously increased rather than addressed the fears of our community, will inevitably ring hollow.

Rather, to be meaningful any words of concern must now be matched by substantive action to confront and combat antisemitism in all its forms.

Anti-Jewish sentiment and communal fears in the UK have been stoked by our political leaders’ use of inflammatory and irresponsible language about the ongoing, tragic conflict in Israel and Gaza.

With this in mind, we call on political and community leaders across Scotland to act urgently to stop fanning the flames of hatred, and – once again – to work with and alongside, rather than vilifying and alienating, the Jewish community of Scotland, to support rather than undermine community cohesion across our nation. 

We thank Police Scotland for their continued engagement with and support for Jewish communities across Scotland at this extremely fraught juncture. 

Last, we would once again urge all members of the community attending synagogues or other community premises to follow all instructions from police and security, and in particular not to congregate outside communal premises and to keep doors closed at all times.”

Storm Amy: Safety Advice

Yellow warnings for rain are currently in place across parts of Scotland and will remain until midnight tonight.

A yellow rain warning for parts of Scotland has been issued for 12pm on Friday to 3pm on Saturday.

A yellow wind warning will also be in place across Scotland from 3pm on Friday to midnight on Saturday.

Stay safe by:

Delaying travel if possible

Avoiding driving on exposed routes

Securing loose objects that could be blown into windows or cause danger

Keeping up to date on weather reports and warnings

Visiting http://ready.scot for preparedness advice

Scottish charity declares fuel poverty emergency

ALIenergy calls for social energy tariffs as it celebrates 25th anniversary

  • Lynda Mitchell, CEO of energy charity, ALIenergy is calling on the UK Government to back the introduction of targeted social energy tariffs to curb the ‘fuel poverty emergency’.
  • Fuel poverty is at record levels, and the charity fears that more Scots will be afflicted this winter, with the energy price cap set to increase next week
  • The charity is encouraging households to take advantage of the support that is available to them this winter.

ALIenergy is calling on the UK Government to introduce a social energy tariff ahead of the energy price cap rising again next week.

The most recent fuel poverty statistics from the Scottish House Condition Survey and Scottish Government (2023) displayed that overall fuel poverty in Scotland is 34%, up from 31% in 2022.1

On the 1st October, the energy price cap is set to rise again, meaning the average annual price will rise by about £35 per home when compared with last year. As energy prices continue to rise, more people will be affected by fuel poverty.

The introduction of a targeted social energy tariff will help to decrease the burden on low-income families.

The tariff provides a discounted energy price for those who meet the eligibility criteria, such as low-income households and those living with unavoidably high energy costs due to disability or illness.

It supports the previous calls from the Scottish Government for the introduction of a targeted tariff. The Scottish Government established the Social Tariff Working Group, which submitted its final recommendation in April of this year, calling for a unit rate discount or real-time rebate for eligible households.

Following this, the Energy Social Tariff Bill was introduced as a private member’s bill by Labour MP Polly Billington in July. The Bill calls for a requirement for energy companies to provide social energy tariffs for low-income customers.

If introduced, this could pull thousands out of fuel poverty in Scotland.

ALIenergy was established in 2000 to ensure sustainable energy use and generation to the benefit of individuals, communities and the local economy, and to combat fuel poverty.

The charity provides much-needed advice and support to around 2,000 households a year. Initially operating only in Argyll, the charity has expanded its services over the years, branching into the Highlands and increasing its partnerships on local, national, and international levels.

Celebrating its 25th year, ALIenergy is hosting a celebratory event on 25th September, with politicians, revered environmentalists, and fuel poverty activists in attendance. The local MP, Brendan O’Hara and revered environmentalist and poverty activist, Ashok Sinha will be key speakers at the event.

ALIenergy is encouraging households to take advantage of the support that is available to them this winter such as checking their eligibility for the UK Government’s Warm Homes Scheme, a £150 energy bill discount for low income families.

The 25th Anniversary of the charity has been celebrated with motions in both Westminster and Holyrood.

Links to the full text of the motions can be found below:

Parliamentary Motion – UK Parliament, lodged by Brendan O’Hara MP, Argyll and Bute (SNP).

Parliamentary Motion – Scottish Parliament, lodged by Rhoda Grant MSP, Highlands and Islands (Scottish Labour)

ALIenergy CEO, Lynda Mitchell said: “We are delighted to be marking our 25th year, but we are focused on the real issue that we are living through a fuel poverty emergency.

“On a daily basis, we assist people who have to make the terrible choice between eating and heating their homes, and with winter on the way and the energy price cap set to increase yet again, this issue must be addressed by the UK Government.

“Much of the region we operate in is off the gas grid, and residents are often paying up to four times more for their heating.

“To address this, we are calling for the UK government to support a social energy tariff, to aid the most vulnerable in our society and pull people out of fuel poverty.

“I hope our anniversary event will send a message to residents living in fuel poverty across these regions and Scotland as a whole, that they are not alone.”

Ashok Sinha, Environmentalist and CEO of Ashden added: “I am delighted to be speaking at ALIenergy’s 25th Anniversary event.

“I am happy to support them in their fight against fuel poverty and look forward to lending my support to the charity’s call for the introduction of a social tariff.”

Roxy Malik, Argyll and Bute Resident who lives in fuel poverty: “My long-term conditions and the energy crisis are having a huge impact on my physical, psychological and mental health and wellbeing.

“I end up leaving bills, bank statements, important letters and emails unopened because I’m so concerned – how much will I have to pay and how can I pay it?

“It becomes very daunting and overwhelming. Especially when you’ve been independent and worked hard all your life. It’s hard.

“A social tariff seems like a fairer way of doing things; it accounts for what a person needs, such as their health and medical needs. If it could take away the unjust cost of standing charges when you aren’t even using power, that would be brilliant.”

1 Scottish House Condition Survey: 2023 Key Findings

“Walk to Work for MND”

Alexander Middleton’s 90 Mile Challenge for MND Scotland

For some people the daily commute to work is a routine part of life. But for Alexander Middleton, a 32-year-old solicitor from Edinburgh, it became an opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for a charity that supports individuals and families dealing with a motor neuron disease (MND) diagnosis.

Over the course of five days during September, Alexander walked from his home in South Queensferry to his office in Edinburgh. This was a round trip of approximately 18 miles each day with the aim of raising funds and awareness for Scotland’s motor neuron disease charity, MND Scotland.

Alexander is a lifelong rugby player and has seen the devastating impact of MND on figures like Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Ed Slater. He wanted to take on the challenge to help raise funds for families in Scotland affected by the brutal disease.

Alexander said, “I’m young, I’m healthy, and while I can do it, I want to try and raise as much awareness as possible.

“I just feel for people that are suffering from it. If I can do something that helps them, then hopefully that’s me doing something good. For me, I see the challenge as short-term suffering- it’s nowhere near as challenging as MND. That’s what keeps me going”.

Each day, Alexander walked approximately five hours, starting at 5:30am and ending with another long trek home after a full day’s work.

Regardless of the weather, he kept going, driven by the thought of those who no longer have the ability to walk, let alone work: “I’m in a privileged position where I can do it. I can walk and I can speak to my partner. I’m not suffering from the disease.”

There are around 480 people in Scotland currently living with MND. On average almost 200 people are diagnosed each year in Scotland. The average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis.

MND Scotland is the only charity dedicated to directly supporting people with MND, their families and friends across Scotland.

“Health is wealth. It’s opened my eyes to what’s important and not letting things bother you”, Alexander said.

The challenge became a community effort. Friends and family joined him on different parts of the walk, including his 64-year-old mum who trained to take part. Local businesses stepped up too – Rogue Bros in South Queensferry donated pizzas for the final day celebration, and nutrition brand ELEAT provided high-protein snacks to fuel Alexander’s challenge.

His passion doesn’t stop there. He’s already planning his next challenge for 2026. Alexander aims to organise a four-day run from Edinburgh to Newcastle, covering the distance of four marathons. He hopes to engage colleagues from both offices, raise even more funds, and continue building awareness around MND.

“I’d love for Walk to Work to become popular,” he said. “If people are inspired by my challenge and decide to do something themselves, that’s a bonus.”

Alexander believes that small actions can lead to big change. His efforts mirror the commitment of other MND champions like Kevin Sinfield, whose fundraising efforts have inspired thousands, including Alexander.

He added: “If someone’s inspired by my challenge, then that’s a bonus. You never know what’s around the corner, so go and do that holiday, or go and fundraise, do something silly, because you just never know what’s coming.”

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “We would like to thank Alexander for taking on his incredible “Walk to Work Challenge”.

“MND Scotland is supporting more people in Scotland who are facing MND – and the descent into the unknown – than ever before. The support from people like Alexander means that people in Scotland won’t have to face the unknown alone.

“Whether you decide to follow in Alexander’s ‘footsteps’ by encouraging your workplace to take on a walking challenge in support of MND Scotland or come up with a unique quirky idea of your own, everything you do will be helping to support people affected by MND in Scotland.”

Alexander’s “Walk to Work for MND,” has already surpassed his fundraising target and has raised over £3,800. If you would like to donate to his JustGiving page, please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/alexander-middleton-1

“Until we find a cure, we need to keep banging the drum”, Alexander said.

For more information about MND Scotland, please visit: www.mndscotland.org.uk, email: info@mndscotland.org.uk, or call: 0141 332 3903.

Twin brothers up for Unsung Hero award after 40 years at Fettes College

Twin brothers who have spent their entire working lives looking after the grounds of Fettes College in Edinburgh have been shortlisted for a Tatler Schools Award in the Unsung Hero category.

George and Kevin McNab are heading to London on Monday 29th September, with their wives, to attend the Award Ceremony at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel.

George and Kevin McNab joined Fettes on the same day back in January 1985 when they were only 16. Following in the footsteps of their father, who worked at the school as a joiner for nearly 30 years, they quickly became part of the fabric of Fettes’ life.

The Tatler Schools Guide celebrates the top prep and public schools in the UK and the Tatler Schools Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of UK staff, pupils and school communities.

The Unsung Heroes category shines a spotlight on individuals whose work is totally invaluable to a school and makes a lasting difference behind the scenes. George and Kevin are the only shortlisted nomination from Scotland and are up against candidates from four English schools.

Over four decades, George and Kevin have seen a lot of change, from chalk-clogged pitch markers to today’s robot line marker, affectionately nicknamed “Lionel Pitchie” and much more, witnessing thousands of children grow up at the school. But what hasn’t changed is their friendship, humour and loyalty to each other and to the school community.

Over the years, the brothers have shared countless memories at Fettes, including George meeting his future wife in the school dining hall. This moment remains one of their most cherished stories alongside decades of tending rugby pitches and cricket squares in all four seasons.

Head of Grounds Kevin McNab said: “Being nominated for this award is a huge surprise and a real honour. We never imagined that our work behind the scenes would be recognised in this way.

“It’s very humbling to be included alongside so many outstanding people and we are looking forward to attending the Award Ceremony in London.”

His brother George, who is Deputy Head of Grounds, added: “It’s wonderful to have our efforts acknowledged.

“We’ve always loved what we do and to be nominated for an award is something we’ll never forget. It feels like a recognition of the whole team, not just the two of us.”

Peter Worlledge, Bursar and Head of Operational Staff at Fettes said: “Everyone at Fettes is delighted for George and Kevin – now nicknamed our ‘Tatler Twins’! – They are pillars of our school community, who have spent over four decades going the extra mile for students and staff alike.

“Their dedication, care and humour have shaped Fettes in countless ways over the past 40 years and their contributions to our school are innumerable.

“This nomination is a fitting recognition of everything they have done for generations of students and staff, and we hope they enjoy the experience of attending this prestigious event.”

The winners of the Tatler Schools Awards 2026 will be announced at the awards ceremony on Monday 29 September 2025.

Easter Drylaw Flood Management: Community consultation tomorrow

JOIN the AtkinsRealis team tomorrow (Friday 26 September) from 2pm to see the Concept Designs for improving flooding issues on Easter Drylaw Avenue and Easter Drylaw Drive.

The organisers say:

‘Currently, during high rainfall, this junction and surrounding homes experience flooding.

‘The objective of this project is to respond to the existing drainage challenges in the area by incorporating nature-based solutions.

‘Through the strategic use of planting, green spaces and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), the project will help to manage rainwater naturally by capturing surface water in an attenuation feature (Eh? – Ed).

‘This will helpslow water down from entering the sewage system, reducing pressure and lowering the risk of flooding on streets, footpaths, homes and gardens.

‘To ensure the project delivers a green community space suited to local aspirations, we would love to hear what you would like to see incorporated in this project.’

We’ll be on the corner of Easter Drylaw Avenue and Easter Drylaw Drive (foot of Easter Drylaw Bank) from 2pm.

Not going to be at home tomorrow? You can still get in touch with your thoughts or any questions at flood.management@edinburgh.gov.uk